dicktahoe

Here's the Main item to start your Polishing Kit--PORTER-CABLE 7346SP 6-Inch Random Orbit

Search for it on Amazon for an excellent Price. You'll want the one with the 6-inch pad, I think the 4-inch pad is a little too small. You can even buy a complete kit with pads, waxes for a few more $$.

newmoon

Actually I think the specific model is the Porter Cable 7424XP, which is what I have. The 7346SP appears to come with a backing plate for stick-on sanding discs, which you won't be using. Still, for both models you will have to buy an additional Velcro backing plate to use with car polishing pads.

I've been using it with Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish:

kevinsong

Thank you guys!!!
This one comes with 5.5inch pads. I hope that's ok.

Do I need Meguiar's Ultimate Compound? or should I just try Ultimate Polish only? I'm not sure how can I tell I need to use "cutting".

newmoon

Hey that kit on Amazon can be bought with Subscribe & Save for an additional 5-15% discount. Just cancel the subscription after you receive it because I don't know what you'd do with multiple buffers.

How much cutting power from a compound you need depends on the amount of swirls and scratches in your paint. You can look for swirls under very bright light such as full sun, or I just use a bright LED flashlight because my car is black and they are easy to see. A white car is more difficult to see though.

Maverick61

Nothing wrong with the Porter Cable at all - but for the occasional user, you can get a good random orbital polisher at Harbor Fright for around $50 when on sale or with one of their myriad of 20% off coupons. Just replace the backing plate with a 5" one so you can use 5.5" pads. The backing plate that comes with it is not great.

It is made by the same factory in China that make the Griot's garage polisher

Lots of amateur detailers on Autogeek have had good success with this, as have I

Actually here it is for $57.99. Apply a 20% off coupon you can find easily and you are under $50

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-va...her-69924.html

tenspeed

I have a Porter Cable and it's a quality tool. I got it discounted from eBay.

The May 2014 Harbor Freight catalog has the Chicago Electric polisher at $49.99.

dicktahoe

Check out Autopia Car care. Complete kits based on Porter Cable Polisher, 15% off and Free shipping.

kevinsong

THANKS guys!!!!!
Yes I'm not going to open a detail shop. CHICAGO ELECTRIC PLATINUM is perfect. Any brand pads are fine?
Also anyone recommend polish agent, sealer and wax? This is first time doing this and I don't think I want to cut too aggressively using compound.
Thanks.

dicktahoe

Even though it's a little more expensive, I'd still go for the Porter Cable since you'll be using it for years and it will last for years. If you decide on the one from Harbor Freight then look for their ad in most any auto magazine and use the 20% off coupon. (You'll never be sorry you bought the Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer!)

Maverick61

Well first off, the Porter Cable is more that just a little more $than the Harbor Freight unit. About 2 1/2 times the cost

And secondly, for using it a few times a year, that Harbor Freight unit will last for years as well. Shoot, there are professional detailer s that use this Harbor Freight unit on a higher volume basis. It is the same unit Griot's garage sells at a much lower price

As to pads, I use either Buff and Shine or Lake Country Pads. Here is a good chart:

http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/buff...d-chart-lc.htm

You will not need many if your car is newer. At most a Foam Polishing and Finishing Pad. If you have an older vehicle, get one cutting pad (which level depends on how severe the car's finish needs corrected

As to polish. sealer, wax - tons of choices. Depends on how much correction you want on your finish, how long you want the coating / sealant to last, how much gloss look you want to achieve, etc

Tell me that and I can give you some recommendations

Gotta run - I can post a few links later